Introduction: Build a better jig. It seems simple enough but with
something as straightforward as a jig how much can you really innovate? Sure there
are new patterns, different head designs, maybe even other skirt materials, but
creating something really unique is a challenge. NuTech didn't take the easy
route and turned to physics to create their lineup of signature jigs, which are
designed to increase hooking accuracy and resist snags better so you can put the jigs right over the structure, in front
of more fish, with the goal of driving more strikes and landed fish. These jigs are garnering
increasing interest from bass anglers and we decided it was time to preview their latest
lineup.

The NuTech Elite Skirted Jig
doesn't look quite like any other jig on the market

NuJig Elite Skirted Jig: NuTech sculpted
their jigheads with physics in mind, creating a cam head design that is designed to stay
constantly upright as it comes in contact with the complete spectrum of snaggy
terrain. The hook angle is designed to not just hook up but hold on to fish and
even the eyelet is designed at an angle versus just vertical to prevent the loss
of leverage. The other thing you will notice about the NuTech jigs is the unique
weedguard that is made out of two solid rubber strands and attached in a "V" formation to keep
the jig from hanging up, but still flexible enough to provide easy hooksets when
you detect those bites. They call these "guide arms" and even if the jig does
flip over they are firm enough to help the jig roll over the structure so it can
right itself. What makes this particular model "elite" is also the use of a Trokar
5/0 hook. This jig is available at TackleWarehouse for $5.49 each in a variety of different colors
and weights ranging from 3/8oz. to 1/2oz..

Not your everyday football head
for sure

Blitz Football Head Skirted: It sounds
cliché but football
head jigs usually are shaped just like footballs, unless that is a NuTech Jig, in
which case that "football" is loaded with angles to form a squared off cam
design that is compact but still designed to help this jig survive contact with rocky
terrain.

The rubber guide arms weedguard is a lot
stronger than you might think

We tested the baits in the test
tank and sure enough every time we dropped the bait they naturally rested in the
upright position, and the skirts did a very good job flaring out, creating
movement and volume. Staying
upright the hook is also presented in the perfect position to drive the hookset
once a fish snatches the bait. The Blitz football jigs also feature those double
weedguards to keep the lure from snagging up but also has that added benefit of
helping increase proper hooksets. How you ask? NuTech tested many conventional
jigs and when compressed the center based weedguard causes these jigs to roll to
their sides as they are compressed, reducing the ability for a deep hookset.
With the NuTech Jigs the guide arms keep the lure in position so in theory
hooksets should be straight and in the top of the fish's jaw.

Under pressure the mid and rear
sections collapse around, not over, the hook so the jig will not roll over and
instead drive the hook straight up for a more solid top jaw hookset

The rubber weedguards are a little stiffer than I
expected but with a little pressure towards to mid and end sections
of the strands they collapsed easy enough to reveal the hookpoint. It will be interesting to
see just how good the hookup ratio is once we have had a chance to log enough
hours in the field. One thing for sure, unlike other more traditional fiber
weedguards that collapse directly on to the hook these fold down around it,
which in theory should help with keeping that hookpoint free and clear when it
matters most. Here is praying for a good jig bite this season!

In the water the silicon skirts
flare nicely

The Blitz football heads are available in both
skirted and unskirted versions. The skirted jig is available in 3/8 to 3/4oz.
weights, as are the naked heads, and each comes armed with a 5/0 Mustad hook. The
skirted Blitz jigs range from $4.54-$4.64 depending on weight, and the naked
heads cost less at around $3.75 each.

Looking for something bigger?

NuJig 1oz. Bomb: Sometimes you just have to
go big to get those quality bites, and NuTech has you covered with the 1oz. Bomber Jig
which is proudly made right here in America. This massive jig basically is an upsized
version of NuTech's cam concept and beefs it up with an even larger profile.

The 1oz. Bomb features that same
cam head design and guide arms, just bigger

Designed to be fished in deep water this lure is
designed to make contact with the bottom and stay out of trouble when being
dragged or jigged way down. Nobody likes getting their jigs snagged, and getting
a deep snag can often spell the end of your jig, an experience NuTech helps
anglers avoid with the Bomb.

This jig is designed to go deep
and stay out snags

The 1oz. Bomb is available in many familiar
patterns including my go to favorites of PB&J and Black & Blue/Black. Each of these
jigs come with a 5/0 Mustad hook and retail for a surprisingly reasonable price
of only $4.69 each.

NuTech has also branched out into
bladed jigs, which are designed to get in and out of thick cover as well as get
you that solid hookset when it counts

Crazy Jig: While NuTech has a complete
range of contact jigs they have also branched out into swim jigs as well. The
Crazy Jig combines the company's signature head design with a vibrating blade
and their rubber guide arm weedguards to create an easy to set swim jig that unlike many other bladed
jigs is designed to deflect and roll off cover, and still stand upright when it
comes to rest on structure. The Crazy Jig either comes with a 4/0 Owner or 5/0 Mustad hook depending on size and is available in 3/8, 1/2, and 1oz. varieties.
The Crazy jigs retail for $5.99 each. For anglers really looking to mix it up on
the bottom the company also offers a Crazy Blitz version which features their
cam football head. This bait is designed to be literally stroked off the lake
floor or pulled through cover, delivering vibration, deflection, and plenty of
flash. All of the NuTech Jigs look interesting and are reasonably priced. We are
in the process of testing these baits in the field now, and stay tuned for more
reports on just how well these stay out of snag trouble, set, and catch fish in the
process.